David Rosen, owner of Sage Titanium, never seems to sleep. When you talk to him he’s always thinking aloud of what change he’ll make next to one of his bike models and to a bike-tech nerd, it’s contagious. Cyclocross Magazine looked at the Sage Barlow that we rode in the Lost and Found gravel race last year.
The Sage Titanium PDXCX gets new geometry and is made in the USA. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Sage Titanium PDXCX cyclocross bike was reviewed in Issue 25 where we found it to be short in front, long out back and high off the ground. It’s unique geometry grew on us for rough challenging courses, but it wasn’t for everyone. Rosen changed the geometry slightly after that review, but at SOC 2017 he introduced the updated PDXCX with a different geometry, still not following current trends, but with shorter chainstays and a lower bottom bracket than the original version. The new PDXCX has 42.5cm chainstays and bottom bracket drop of 6.2cm, the old Euro standard. The top tube has also been lengthened by about a centimeter. The 3v/2.5Al titanium is beautifully welded by Lynskey in Tennessee.
Post mounted brake on the truss-reinforced seatstay keeps the brake up high in case of deep water crossings. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Rosen has his patent pending Cable Clip System introduced on the Barlow as a down tube cable guide and management system. He’s at it again with the updated PDXCX which has top tube control line runs. The brake line runs at 10 o’clock along the top tube. If you opt for mechanical shifting, you can chose CCS brackets for double or single cable runs, or simply cover the bolt holes for a single speed. If you run a wired shift system, remove the clips and the wire enters the frame though the bolt hole of the front clip, the other is covered. Rosen has the top tube cable guides for an open run unlike the original with full cable housing from the lever to the derailleurs.
2017 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
The Sage PDXCX does not have a flat mount brake on the rear since Rosen wanted to run the control lines high, keeping the downtube clean. As a result both rear brake line and the rear derailleur cable (which picks up its full housing run from the top tube) run along the front of the seatstays for better aesthetics. Also Rosen stayed with an IS brake mount since he likes the consistent look of the IS mount with an adaptor, rather than post-mount possibly with an adaptor, if you change rotor size. Always thinking…
The lettering is the titanium showing through the paint. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
New for Sage Titanium is a custom paint program with one-of-a-kind paint schemes from painter Eric Dungey of Color Works in Eugene, OR. On display was Rosen’s personal, yet-to-be-ridden Dura Ace 9100 equipped Barlow with lustrous Lion of Flanders Belgian inspired paint job. The level of detail on the paint had to be seen to fully appreciate. If you asked for the same paint scheme, you’d not get the same as Rosen’s but a variation. No two frames are alike.
The attention to detail in the paint work is evident in the Sage Titanium logo. 2017 Sea Otter Classic. © C. Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
Barlow Frame Highlights:
- 142 x 12mm Thru-Axle design
- Flat Mount Disc Brake
- CCS Ready (Electronic and Mechanical Drivetrain Capable)
- Clearance for up to 40mm tires
- Chainstay Yoke provides clearance for chainrings up to 53/39
- Ovalized and shaped tubing for race ready performance
- 44mm headtube provides razor sharp precision steering
- Stealth fender and rack mounts for increased weather protection and touring capabilities
- Suggested retail price starts at = $2,900 (frame only)
PDXCX Frame Highlights:
- Clearance for up 42mm tires
- Ovalized and shaped tubing for race ready performance
- 44mm headtube provides razor sharp precision steering
- Handling is designed for wet/ tight/ technical courses of the Pacific NW where CX is King
- Stealth fender mounts for increased weather protection during off season training rides
- Top tube cable routing protects your shifter and brake lines from potential contamination when the conditions get muddy
- Suggested retail price starts at = $2,900 (frame only)
The new PDXCX is available for pre-order now.
More info: sagetitanium.com
See our ever-growing stream of new cyclocross and gravel-oriented bikes, wheels, tires, components and cycling gear from 2017 Sea Otter here.
Sage Titanium PDXCX and Barlow Photo Gallery:
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